In a captivating semi-final showdown at the Suez Canal Stadium, South Africa’s Amajita secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Nigeria‘s Flying Eagles at the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
The solitary goal arrived in the 66th minute, courtesy of a towering header from Stellenbosch FC defender Tylon Smith. This pivotal moment in a pulsating encounter between two of African football’s esteemed youth powerhouses propelled Amajita into the tournament’s grand finale.
Having now navigated five matches without a single defeat, the South African’s showcased remarkable resilience and a crucial touch of clinical finishing when it mattered most.
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Their disciplined performance effectively extinguished Nigeria’s aspirations of claiming a record-extending eighth U-20 AFCON title.
While Nigeria exerted considerable control over the second half, their efforts were ultimately thwarted by a combination of their own missed opportunities and the stellar performance of South Africa’s goalkeeper, Fletcher Lowe.
Lowe emerged as the undisputed hero for Amajita, producing crucial saves in the dying moments to deny both Emmanuel Chukwu and Israel Ayuma, preserving his team’s slender lead.
The opening half unfolded with a palpable sense of cautiousness from both sides as they probed for openings. Nigeria’s Tahir Maigana and South Africa’s Kutlwano Letlhaku both tested the opposing goalkeepers with decent efforts, but neither managed to break the initial deadlock.
The complexion of the game shifted dramatically in the 66th minute. Following a well-worked corner routine, Neo Rapoo delivered an inch-perfect cross into the Nigerian penalty area.
Rising above the defense, Tylon Smith connected powerfully with the ball, heading it home for his first goal of the tournament and igniting scenes of jubilation among the Amajita players and their supporters.
In a determined effort to claw their way back into the match, Nigeria’s coach introduced Rickson Mendos and Bidemi Amole as substitutes. However, South Africa’s resolute defense, marshaled expertly and anchored by the heroics of Fletcher Lowe, stood firm against the mounting pressure.
Nigeria’s frustration reached boiling point in the final moments when Ayuma connected with a diving header that seemed destined for the back of the net, only for Lowe to produce a breathtaking fingertip save, tipping the ball over the bar and securing Amajita’s passage to the final.
This momentous triumph marks only South Africa’s second appearance in the final of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, with their previous appearance dating back to 1997. For Nigeria, this result signifies a third consecutive semi-final exit, following previous defeats to Gambia in 2023 and Mali in 2019, a disappointing trend for the traditionally strong youth side.
Having already secured their coveted place in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Amajita now stand just one victory away from achieving their maiden continental title.
In the other semi-final, Morocco defeated Egypt by a solitary goal to set up the highlight anticipated AFCON U-20 final with South Africa. Kick off at the Cairo International Stadium is set for 20h00 on Sunday, 18 May 2025.
The nation now holds its breath in anticipation as the young South African heroes prepare for the ultimate test in their quest for continental glory.